The Los Angeles Lakers are in an intriguing position with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James leading the charge as all three are used to having the ball in their hands. Luckily, each one can command a lineup should one or more be sidelined due to injury.
James has missed 16 games this season and Doncic has been out for six games as well. Despite a lack of continuity to begin the early part of this season, it has allowed Reaves to spread his wings as a leading scorer.
Recently putting up 44 points in a thrilling win against the Toronto Raptors and a 36-point outing against the Boston Celtics, the Arkansas native is making a case to be a first-time All-Star.
Despite being able to hold down the fort on his own with or without James or Doncic, Reaves admitted it is easier when those two are in the lineup, via NBA on Prime:
“The game is much easier when he [Doncic] is out there, so hurry back. But, congrats to you. Like I said, try to play the game the right way. Obviously when he is out there, he draws so much attention along with LeBron that I’m able to be a secondary playmaker and play advantage basketball. Then when he is not out there just try and be aggressive and give ourselves the best opportunity to win.”
Now in his fifth season, Reaves’ role has evolved greatly and his ability to mold his game to whatever the team needs is impressive. This aligns with his selfless personality because all he wants to do is win at the end of the day, regardless of his offensive production.
Through 19 games, the 27-year-old is averaging more than 29.3 points on an efficient 52.5% shooting. When his co-star is out of the lineup, those numbers jump to 40.0 points and 51.4%.
Hopefully, Reaves does not have to carry as much as an offensive burden moving forward, but it is exciting to see what a backcourt future could look like next to Doncic.
Austin Reaves tips hat to LeBron James for prioritizing Lakers win over extending scoring streak
Against the Raptors, LeBron James struggled to score, finishing with just eight points. With the Lakers having the final shot, James had the ball in his hand and could have forced the issue to score 10 points to keep his double-digit scoring streak alive.
However, he made the right play as always, leading to a Rui Hachimura buzzer-beater. After the game, Austin Reaves tipped his hat to James for prioritizing a win over extending his scoring streak of 10 or more points.
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